'Salem's Lot Art
Works / Novels

'Salem's Lot

'Salem's Lot Art

Released

October 17th, 1975

Available Format(s)

Hardcover / Paperback / Trade / Limited Edition / Audiobook

Publisher

Doubleday

Author Ben Mears returns to ‘Salem's Lot to write a book about a house that has haunted him since childhood only to find his isolated hometown infested with vampires. While the vampires claim more victims, Mears convinces a small group of believers to combat the undead.

From the Flap

'Salem's Lot is a small New England town with white clapboard houses, tree-lined streets, and solid church steeples. That summer in 'salem's Lot was a summer of homecoming and return; spring burned out and the land lying dry, crackling underfoot.  Late that summer, Ben Mears returned to 'salem's Lot hoping to cast out his own devils and found instead a new, unspeakable horror.

A stranger had also come to the Lot, a stranger with a secret as old as evil, a secret that would wreak irreparable harm on those he touched and in turn on those they loved.

All would be changed forever--Susan, whose love for Ben could not protect her; Father Callahan, the bad priest who put his eroded faith to one last test; and Mark, a young boy who sees his fantasy world become reality and ironically proves the best equipped to handle the relentless nightmare of 'Salem's Lot.

This is a rare novel, almost hypnotic in its unyielding suspense, which builds to a climax of classic terror. You will not forget the town of 'salem's Lot nor any of the people who used to live there. 

Inspiration

One of my high school classes was Fantasy and Science Fiction, and one of the novels I taught was Dracula. I was surprised at how vital it had remained over the years; the kids liked it, and I liked it, too. One night over supper I wondered aloud what would happen if Dracula came back in the twentieth century, to America. "He'd probably be run over by a Yellow Cab on Park Avenue and killed," my wife said. That closed the discussion, but in the following days, my mind kept returning to the idea. It occurred to me that my wife was probably right - if the legendary Count came to New York, that was. But if he were to show up in a sleepy little country town, what then? I decided I wanted to find out, so I wrote 'Salem's Lot, which was originally titled Second Coming.

Characters

Hide List Show List
Name
Description
Chopper
Mark Petrie's dog
Doc
Irwin Purinton's dog
Evvie
Person on the phone
Horris
Old man with intestinal cancer who spoke to Father Callahan
Jerusalem
Pig owned by Charles Tanner. The town was named after the pig
Kali
Hindu Goddess mentioned in passing
Roddy
Boy in the park in 'Salem's Lot pushing his sister in a swing.
Shirley
Worked at Dell's bar
Toni
Worked at Dell's bar
Wolfman Jack
Disk Jockey on a Monterey radio station
Albee, Edward
Spoke about monkey nipples
Anderson, Sherwood
American writer mentioned by Ann Norton
Ashford, ?
Maiden name of ? Mears, mother of Ben Mears.
Astaire, Fred
Dancer imagined by Father Callahan.
Bannock, John
Betrothed to a girl, but was accused of killing her. He was supposed to be an Incubus.
Barclay, Davie
Childhood friend of Ben Mears
Barlow, Kurt
Antiques expert. Vampire. Born as Kurt Breichen in Germany, and told about 'Salem's Lot by Hubert Marsten.
Bascomb, Buddy
Morgue attendant in Portland
Bergeron, ?
Priest
Bissonette, Raymond
Father Good friend of Father Callahan.
Boddin, Derek
Father of Richie. Brother of Franklin
Boddin, Franklin
Brother of Derrick. A friend of Virgil Rathburn that drove a 57 Chevrolet pickup
Boddin, Marie
Richie's mother. Spilt fat on her arm
Boddin, Richie
11-year-old school bully at Stanley Street elementary school. Son of Marie Boddin.
Bowie, ?
Son of Claude. He came back from Vietnam with a mechanical foot.
Bowie, Claude
Lived in 'Salem's Lot. His son lost a foot in Vietnam.
Bowie, Sandy
Maiden name of Sandy McDougall
Boyer, George
Worked at Gates mill on the 3 to 11 shift.
Breichen, Kurt
Kurt Barlow's birth name
Bryant, Corey
22-year-old who worked for the telephone company and was having an affair with Bonnie Sawyer until Reggie Sawyer found out. Son of Pete
Bryant, Pete
Corey's father
Burke, Matthew (Matt)
63-year-old English teacher
Butts, Pearl Ann
Ran off to New York City to become a Zigfield girl in 1907
Buzzey, Frank
Convict in Ben Mears' book "Air Dance"
Callahan, Donald
Parish Priest of St. Andrew's Catholic Church.
Campion, Brad
Friend of Ben. Works at Yarmouth Liquor store
Carlyle, ?
Author quoted by Matt Burke
Carty, ?
Morgue attendant in Portland
Carver, George Washington
Author mentioned by Matt Burke
Cobham, Mrs.
Character in a movie
Cody, Ben
Name used by Ben Mears in a New Hampshire Motel
Cody, Jimmy
A young doctor in 'Salem's Lot.
Coggins, Fiona
Missing widow in 'Salem's Lot. Aunt of Gertrude Hersey. Reported missing 14 February, 1976
Coleman, Gary
Went blind from a mysterious optic nerve degeneration. Student of Matt Burke
Coogan, Miss
Works at Spencer's Drugstore
Cook, Pete
Worked at Sonny's Exxon garage
Corey, Minella
Birdie Marsten's sister
Corliss, Aggie
Often wrote the local paper about drinking and other 'evils'.
Corliss, Clyde
In Milt Crossens store
Corson, Sheldon
Dragged Floyd off Ben when they were fighting. Stayed in Eva Miller's boarding house.
Craig, Ed (Weasel)
Ex-lover of Eva Miller, and drunk. Stayed in Eva Miller's boarding house.
Crane, Albie
Father of Joe Crane.
Crane, Joe
In Milt Crossens store. Son of Albie.
Crockett, Lawrence (Larry)
Real estate agent on 'Salem's Lot. Millionaire father or Ruthie Crockett. Second Selectman of 'Salem's Lot.
Crockett, Mrs.
Wife of Larry and Mother or Ruthie
Crockett, Ruthie
Lead in the school play. Daughter of Lawrence
Crossen, Milt
Ran "Crossens Agricultural Market" in 'Salem's Lot.
Curless, Dick
Drinks at Dells Bar
Curless, Rhoda
Lived in 'Salem's Lot. Moved to Portland and worked for St. Matthews Mission.
Danles, Kenny
Worked in the post office
Danles, Mrs.
Mother of Kenny Danles.
Dickens, Pauline
Lived in 'Salem's Lot and worked in the "Excellent Cafe". Moved to L.A.
Dickey, James
Author mentioned in passing
Dube, LaVerne
Girlfriend of Billy Smith.
Durham, ?
Kicked off the school bus for talking too loud
Durham, Harriet
Worked at Gates Mill. Wife of Lester
Durham, Lester
Worked at Gates Mill. Husband of Harriet
Evans, David
Lived in 'Salem's Lot. Was a mechanic in Sears Store at Gates Falls.
Evans, Mrs.
Wife of David.
Felson, Dave
In charge of bus motor pool and friends with Charlie Rhodes
Flip, Mr.
The Boogeyman of Father Callahan, as a child
Foreman, Carl
'Salem's Lot undertaker
Forester, Debbie
Her dress caught on fire at the 200 year celebration of 'Salem's Lot.
Gardener, Nolly
Deputy Constable in 'Salem's Lot
Garvey, Andy
Let air out of bus tires and was caught in the act by Bob Thomas. Suspended.
Gaye, Marvin
His song "I heard it through the Grapevine" was mentioned
Gendron, Mr.
Sells cheap books in Cumberland
Gillespie, Parkins
'Salem's Lot Constable that moved to Kittery to stay with his sister.
Gliccoucchi, ?
Tony Glick's grandfather's surname prior to changing it to Glick
Glick, Anthony H (Tony)
Husband of Marjorie and father of Daniel and Ralphie
Glick, Daniel Francis
Son of Marjorie and Tony.
Glick, Marjorie
Danny and Ralphie's mother. Wife of Tony.
Glick, Ralphie
Son of Marjorie and Tony.
Gorby, George M.
Danny Glick's doctor when he was admitted to hospital.
Gracon, ?
Priest in Los Zapatos.
Green, Maury (Moe)
Jewish funeral director in Cumberland, and husband of Rachel Green
Green, Rachel
Maury's Green's wife
Greenberg, Bob
Morgue attendant in Portland
Greer, Sally
Killed by her drunken boyfriend when she wanted to break up with him.
Griegson, Mary Kate
Sent note across the bus and was kicked off the bus by Charlie Rhodes for it
Griffen, Babs
Hal and Jacks sister. Beautician daughter of Charles. Owned "Babs Beauty Boutique" in 'Salem's Lot.
Griffen, Charles
Farmer who owned the largest dairy farm south of Mechanic Falls. Father of Babs
Griffen, Doug
Baseball player mentioned in passing
Griffen, Hal
18-year-old son of Charles Griffen.
Griffen, Jack
14-year-old son of Charles Griffen
Groggins, John
Minister of 'Salem's Lot Methodist church
Hanrahan, Tom
FBI agent in Portland
Hawthorne, Nathaniel
Considered to be conventionally religious by Father Calaghan.
Hersey, Audrey
Town gossip in 'Salem's Lot, and member of the Ladies Auxiliary. Sister of Jackson Hersey.
Hersey, Gertrude
Niece of Fiona Coggins that reported her missing.
Hersey, Jackson
Audrey Jackson's brother
Holcomb, Miss
Playground monitor at Stanley Street Elementary School.
Holloway, Daniel
Missing in 'Salem's Lot on May 29, 1976. Reported by Daniel's Grandfather.
Holloway Family
Reported missing on May 29, 1976 by Daniel Holloway's grandfather
Holly, Buddy
Singer, liked by Matt Burke
Holmwood, Arthur
Actor in the film "Dracula"
Hooker, ?
Local judge who fined Frank Kilby $50 for possession of drugs.
Houdini, Harry
Magician mentioned in passing
Hume, ?
Old priest who was replaced by Father Callahan
Jackson, Shirley
Wrote "The Haunting of Hill House"
James, Audie
Charlie Rhodes thought he was one of the people that let the air out of the bus tires
James, Charles (Sonny)
Owner of Sonny's Exxon gas station in 'Salem's Lot. Moved to Cumberland to open a repair shop. Childhood friend of Ben Mears.
Jointner, Elias
Jointner Avenue (The main street of 'Salem's Lot) was named after him in 1896. Member of the State House of Representatives. The road was previously Portland Post Road.
Kelly, John
The person Crockett thought was playing a joke on him when the Marsten house was bought
Kilby, Frank
Used dope and was fined $50 when caught. Local paperboy. Son of Horace Kilby
Kilby, Horace
Father of Frank Kilby.
Kingfield, Jerry
Disappeared in the marshes while fishing when he was 10 years old.
Kurtin, Peter
The Monster of Dusseldorf
Labree, Mr.
Works in Spencer's drug store
Lee, Christopher
Actor mentioned in passing
Lewis, John
Press-Herald features editor who wrote about 'Salem's Lot being a ghost town.
Lovecraft, H.P.
Writer and atheist mentioned in passing.
Lubert, ?
Wrote about the Lot and Hubert Marsten
Markey, Delbert
Owner of Dells bar in 'Salem's Lot
Marshall, Peter
Host of "The Hollywood Squares" on TV
Marsten, Birdie
Hubert Marsten's wife. Sister of Minella Corey. Murdered by her husband August 1939.
Marsten, Hubert Barclay
Owner of the Marsten House that Kurt Barlow eventually bought. Committed suicide (hung himself) on 12 August 1939 after killing his wife. Born 6 October 1889 and arrived in 'Salem's Lot in 1928 after retiring from being president of a large trucking firm. Really a mobster.
Mayberry, Buddy
Brother of Doug and friend of Royce McDougall
Mayberry, Doug
Brother of Buddy. Student of Matt Burke.
Mayberry, Glynnis
Spoke on the phone to Harriet Durham. Wife of Paul Mayberry.
Mayberry, Paul
Husband of Glynis Mayberry
McCaslin, Homer
County Sheriff
McCaslin, Mrs.
Wife of Homer McCaslin
McDougall, Randall (Randy)
10 month old son of Sandy and Royce.
McDougall, Royce (Roy)
Lived in 'Salem's Lot. Husband of Sandy and father of Randy.
McDougall, Sandy
17-year-old wife of Royce and mother of Randall. Married name of Sandy Bowie. She beat her son, and said that he had fallen by accident.
McFee, Peter
State Police chief who looked into some of the people who had disappeared in 'Salem's Lot
McGee, Travis
Writer mentioned by Royce McDougall.
McLeod, Larry
Mailman in the 1920's and 1930's. Found the dead Marstens
Mears, ?
Mother of Ben who had a nervous breakdown when her husband. She committed suicide when Ben was 14. Her maiden name was Ashford
Mears, ?
Merton Ben Mears's father.
Mears, Benjaman
Writer who discovered the truth about Jerusalem's Lot. He wrote "Air Dance", "Conway's Daughter" and "Billy said keep going". His wife died in a motorcycle accident where Ben was not injured at all.
Mears, Miranda
Ben's wife. Was killed when hit by a truck after a motorcycle accident in New York in May 1973
Mephisto, Mr.
Hypnotist at Topsham Fair
Middler, George
Worked at the hardware store and sells ammunition. Secretly wears Woman's clothing.
Middler, Pat
Often sat in Crossen's store.
Miller, Eva
Ran a boarding house in 'Salem's Lot where Ben Mears stayed.
Miller, Ralph
Eva's husband. Was killed when he fell into a shredder at a sawmill in 1959
Mullican, Mabe
Lived in Eva Millers boarding house in 'Salem's Lot
Munoz, Jesus de la rey
Father Gracon's interpreter
Norbert, Brenton
County examiners assistant
Norton, Ann
Mother of Susan Norton. Died.
Norton, Susan
Love interest of Ben Mears who became a vampire, but was killed.
Norton, William (Bill)
Susan Norton's father. 'Salem's Lot first selectman. Worked at the Portland Docks.
Overlock, Freddy
Father of Judy
Overlock, Judy
Daughter of Freddy. Ran off with Saladmaster salesman from New York in 1957 or 1958.
Patterson, ?
Minister of the Church of Latter Day Saints and Followers of the Cross.
Perkins, Mrs.
Ben Mears first grade teacher
Peters, Hank
Worked for Larry Crockett and did odd jobs. Friend of Jackie Talbert and got a dishonorable discharge.
Petrie, Henry
Prudential Insurance Company executive. Father of Mark and husband of June.
Petrie, June
Wife of Henry and mother of Mark.
Petrie, Mark
The young boy who helps Ben Mears destroy the Vampires. Son of Henry and June
Philbrook, Mike
Charlie Rhodes thought he was one of the people that let the air out of the bus tires
Phillips, Gordon
Had a car accident in 'Salem's Lot 4 January 1976 and was reported missing.
Plowman, Dr.
Local doctor in 'Salem's Lot
Poe, Edgar Allan
Poet mentioned in passing
Potter, ?
'Salem's Lot resident who died in Vietnam
Poulin, Romeo
Builder of a supermarket in Auburn. Silent partner of Larry Crockett
Prine, David
Doctor at John Hopkins hospital
Pritchett, Amanda
Wife of Charles Pritchett
Pritchett, Charles V
Owners of a farm in 'Salem's Lot. Bought Charles Griffin's farm, but moved out quickly after hearing strange things in the night. Husband of Amanda Pritchett
Pruitt, Upton
Deputy Game Warden
Purinton, Elsie
Irwin's dead wife. Wicked lady who died in 1973 by falling down the stairs and broke her neck.
Purinton, Irwin (Win)
Milkman in West Salem. 60 years old and about to retire. Owner of the dog Doc who was killed.
Rangers, The
Band who played at Dell's
Rathburn, Tommy
Died when he fell over a cliff drunk. Brother of Virge
Rathburn, Virgil
Brother of Tommy. Friend of Franklin Boddin.
Rauberson, Harold
Childhood friend of Ben Mears. Died of Leukemia
Rawcliffe, Amy
Friend of Susan Norton.
Reardon, Dr.
Tony Glick's doctor
Rhodes, Charlie
Driver of the school bus.
Rice, David
County Medical examiner
Robinson, Edward
Arlington Writer mentioned by Ann Norton
Rodgers, Ginger
Dancer imagined by Father Callahan.
Rodin, Mrs.
(Mrs Rodan) Teacher who was nicknamed Mrs Rodan after the Japanese monster movie Rodan
Rogers, Dud
Dump custodian in 'Salem's Lot. Liked shooting rats in the dump.
Royko, Billy
Died in Vietnam in a helicopter crash 2 months before cease fire. One of Matt Burke's students.
Ryerson, Michael Corey
Cemetery grounds keeper of the 3 cemeteries in 'Salem's Lot
Salk, Jonas
Writer mentioned in passing
Sawyer, Bonnie
Reg's wife. Having an affair with Corey Bryant. Was Miss Cumberland County in 1973.
Sawyer, Reg
Mechanic in Jim Smiths Pontiac in Buxton. Husband of Bonnie.
Silvius, Lester
At Crossins store
Simons, ? (Jumpin')
Husband of Coretta Simons
Simons, Coretta
Dying of intestinal cancer. Forgot about the $30, 000 she had hidden in the wall of her house.
Smith, Billy
Killed when driving drunk and he hit a tree. Boyfriend of LaVerne Dube, who was also killed in the car accident.
Smith, Carl
Widower who lived in 'Salem's Lot. Wife died in 1957.
Smith, Jim
Owned a Pontiac dealership in Buxton where Reg Sawyer worked
Smith, Mrs.
Wife of Carl Smith. Died in 1957
Snow, John
One of the Vampires in Eva's basement with Barlow. Had bad arthritis.
Snow, Royal
Works for Crockett
Spencer, Mr.
Sold root beer in Spencer's Drugstore. He was the pharmacist before Mr Labree.
Starcher, Loretta
Librarian in 'Salem's Lot.
Stevens, Wallace
Poet mentioned by Parkins Gillespie
Stowens, Cynthia (Cindy)
Ben Mears aunt. He lived with the when his dad died. Died in 1972
Straker, Richard Throckett
Bought the Marsten house and Village Washtub. 58 years old
Sylvester, Mickey
Worked at Gates Falls Mill, and lived at Eva Miller's boarding house. Told Reggie Sawyer about his wife's affair
Talbot, Jackie
Worked at Dell's bar. Good friend of Hank Peters
Talbot, Maureen
Mother of Jackie. Used to do the washing for Cynthia Stowens
Tanner, Charles
Belknap Pig farmer who owned a pig called Jerusalem. The pig escaped and ate in a wood lot, hence the town name of Jerusalem's Lot
Tenny, Brent
Sent note across the bus and was kicked off the bus by Charlie Rhodes for it
Thomas, Bob
Teacher who caught Andy Garvey letting the air out of the bus tires.
Tibbits, Floyd
Susan Norton's boyfriend and childhood friend of Ben Mears. Worked at Grants and was second in charge of credit.
Tremont, Elaine
Died of a heart attack after seeing a face in her window after dark on the 4th of June 1976
Upshaw, Vic
Half brother of Vinnie Upshaw who owned a 39 Packard.
Upshaw, Vinnie
Lived in Eva Millers boarding house.
Van Helsing, ?
Character in the movie "Dracula"
Varney, Norris
Constable when Marsten died in 1939
Verrill, Grover
Worked at Gates Falls Mill and lived at Eva's boarding house.
Vickery, Frank
Son in law of John Farrington, who found the dead body of John Farrington
Walsh, Francis
Crockett's lawyer in Boston
Webber, Jim
Old boss of Reggie Sawyer
Welby, Marcus
TV Doctor
Werts, Mabel
Fat Widow who is prominent in the church fund raisers. 74 years old.
Wilson, Gahan
Cartoonist mentioned by Jimmy Cody
Wolfe, Thomas
Author mentioned by Matt Burke
Wordsworth, Henry
Poet mentioned in passing
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